Running of the G2 Chairman’s Handicap will be the final hit-out for most of these runners before the Sydney Cup in a fortnight’s time. A field of thirteen taking part with imported galloper Hathras, who competed in The BMW last week the favourite at $3.50. The Gai Waterhouse Julienas, who has won his last two in good style, is the only other runner under double figures at $4.00.

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Chairman’s Quality Handicap Form Guide

1. MOURAYAN – J Bowman (2)

Tough stayer who tackled the G1 Futurity Stakes and Australian Cup at his two runs this time in and will appreciate the step up in distance, drop in grade, and weight conditions of this race. He’ll also enjoy being back at Randwick where he has won the G3 Craven Plate and ran second in the G2 Hill Stakes and G1 Metrop, from three visits. Will go forward from two and should make his presence felt.

2. JULIENAS – N Rawiller (7)

Resumed in the G3 City Liverpool Cup (1300m) before being immediately being stepped up to the 1900 of the Listed Sky High Stakes and dictated from the front to record a 1 ¾ length win. It was a similar tactics and result last start when he won the Listed Manion Cup (2400m). Worked for the lead last start and found plenty when needed to and expect that’ll be the same case again today.

3. BLOOD BROTHA – (4)

New Zealand galloper who, after forty-eight starts in his native land, of which he has won eight including the G2 Wellington Cup (2400m) earlier this year, has left home for the first time. Not much to excited about in his last three starts – in some feature NZ staying races – and generally gets back.

4. PERMIT – C Williams (5)

His last win was this race last year, ten starts ago now but judging by his last two efforts, he may be close to breaking the drought. He was beaten a lip by Tremec in the Listed Randwick City Stakes (2200m) two starts back and was doing his best work late last start when second to Julienas (beaten 1 ¾).Meets Julienas better at the weights and should get nice run from five.

5. DANCE WITH HER – SCRATCHED

6. VATUVEI – L Nolen (1)

He’s had three runs back this time in the latest of which was a 3.8 length seven of eleven in the G3 Easter Cup (2000m). Had similar form when, at his fourth up run last preparation, he won the G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) over Reuben Percival. Any cut out of the track will further increase his chance. Good each way value at $15.00.

7. ALIYANA TILDE – C Brown (6)

She was in very good form this time last year and recorded placings in the G1 Vinery Stakes and Australian Oaks but wasn’t able to reproduce that form in three starts during the Spring and tipped out. The break has worked well judging by her last start win over Epingle in the G3 Epona Stakes (1900m). Nice mare who appears to be back to her best and that’s good enough to be a chance here.

8. THY – B Avdulla (8)

Led all the way and toughed it out very well when winning the Listed Aspiration Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm two starts back. Tried to produce the same tactics when stepping out at her next start in the G3 Epona Stakes (1900m) but weakened noticeably late to run sixth (beaten 6.6 lengths).

9. COLISEO – J Penza (12)

A 6yo by Arena who ran a narrow seconds in both the Listed Canberra Cup and Albury Gold Cup before another honest effort, finishing off well to place fourth (beaten two lengths) behind Julienas in the Manion Cup. Probably in career best form and deserves to win a good race. Is this the one? Meets Julienas the same at the weights.

10. TREMEC – J McDonald (3)

Zabeel gelding that is improving with each run and has won three of his last four, including his last start in the Listed Randwick City Stakes (2200m) where he staved off Permit firstly on the track and then, in the Steward’s room. Permit was good at his next start but we haven’t seen Tremec since and that win was almost a month ago. Has had a barrier trial since and gets a nice trial from good gate.

11. HATHRAS – J Cassidy (9)

Created quite the impression with two wins, the first at Rosehill in a BM 75 by 3 ¾ and then an absolute stroll in the park at Warwick Farm, beating three competitors by nine over 2200m. Those events saw him installed a 13/2 chance in the G1 The BMW last week but after settling handy to the lead, he battered away fairly late and finished within 2 ½ lengths of one of the most in-form horses in the country – Fiveandahalfstar. Better suited back to this race and good enough last start under WFA conditions.

12 HULA LUA – (11)

Mick Kent has had a successful time in Sydney in recent weeks – Philippi, Epingle, and here he has the interesting daughter of Spartacus – who ran fourth behind Lights of Heaven in the G3 Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m) last week. She’s won four of nine but none of them anywhere near the calibre of a race like this.

13. SAINTLY SUN – (13)

Returned from a ten month spell in February and has won four of six, including his last two – a BM 65 at Newcastle and last week, a BM 75 at Warwick Farm. Improving type but not improving enough for a race like this.

OVERVIEW.

Pace here should be genuine with Mourayan and Julienas both going forward and both like to roll along. If they don’t go too silly, both should be in the thick of things at the finish. Hathras, hard to see any other runner in this race finishing any closer to Fiveandahalfstar last week and he has won over 2350 so wouldn’t think the trip is a concern. Where he gets to from nine will be the key. Don’t think he’d want to get too far back. Vatuvei and Permit to round out the placings.